Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow Review
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
- Platform: XBOX
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Genre: Action
reviewed by Gamehog
Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow
"What was that?!"
Third Echelon calls Sam Fisher back to duty in this second installment of Splinter Cell for XBOX. Some naughty terrorists decided to overrun the U.S. embassy located in Jakarta, Indonesia. This leaves the U.S. government worried about those same terrorists stumbling upon sensitive U.S. documents. So who does the U.S. government call when they need a silent but deadly clean up? That's right, they call you as Sam Fisher.
Gameplay: New Moves, New Toys
Pandora Tomorrow's gameplay is a continuation of the first Splinter Cell with a few new tricks. Controlling Sam Fisher is similar to if not exactly the same as the previous installment. That's right, you still move like the old Sam Fisher with the exception of a few new dance moves.
One of the new moves Sam acquired for the second installment is the Half Split Jump accompanied by an option to jump towards a higher platform. When caught in an alley Sam can jump vertically and position himself in a half split jump position. (Think supporting yourself between two close walls and leaning towards the one wall side.) In this position Sam can jump to a higher ledge. This move allows our acrobratic friend to reach high places when needed.
Another new move called the SWAT Turn allows Sam to stealthly move across a space the width of a door opening. Actually it is useful when a terrorist is standing at the opening of the door or window with his back to you. If Sam performs a SWAT turn at the door he is like a ghost.
New items in Sam's arsenal inlcude Gas Grenade, Camera Jammer, and Chaff Grenade. Gas grenade is used to release gas that knocks out enemy or enemies. The Chaff grenade is used to disable electronic devices including Sam's devices (so only use it if you don't plan on using Sam's goggles temporarily). The camera jammer does what it sounds like it does.
General gameplay in Pandora Tomorrow is very similar to the first Splinter Cell. Don't worry, it is not the first Splinter Cell. The obstacles that Sam is required to overcome seperates Pandora Tomorrow from its predecessor. The environment in Pandora Tomorrow creates the feel that what you did before was cake.
Difficulty
There are three levels of difficulty, EASY, NORMAL, and HARD. This review is based on the NORMAL difficulty and there were levels that required me to take more then one pass at it. So bring your A game.
Length of Play
I am not pleased to report that this game took only 20-30 hours to complete. The game pulls you in and then bam!, the game is over. This eventuality was an unpleasant surprise.
Replay Value
There is a replay value. Obviously, the multiplayer adds replay value to this game, but single player has replay value as well. Sam has flexibility to travel through the levels which gives single player mode some non-linearity. On a second time around, you can look for other possible and more efficient routes to take.
Graphics
Pandora Tomorrow's graphics moves up a notch from its predecessor. Sam's mobility is believable and the environments take you to the mission's location The majority of the game is played in a jungle setting. Large bushes shadow Sam's presence, small bodies of water speak to enemies when disturbed, and large blades of grass can hide a well camouflaged spy. Cut scenes offer movie-like animation that help tell the story. Look forward to watching these skits as they seem improved from the original Splinter Cell cut scenes.
"Did you hear that?!"
Veteran Splinter Cell gamers know that sound is a critcial indication of someone's presence. So it is only natural that quality sound is carried over to Pandora Tomorrow. If enemies can hear your movements, developers wanted to make sure that the gamer hears them as well. Insignificant sounds such as ambiant noise, landing on your feet, clicking a light switch, etc. are all amplified to support that if the enemy can't see you, they can hear you.
Buy or Bust?
Ultimately Pandora Tomorrow earns its place in your gaming library if you are into stealth games. It takes a lot of patience to play this game, but it also takes alot of thinking. If you prefer a game that contains a fast pace, then this would not be a game for you. If you are both a first person shooter and a RPG gamer then you should consider renting or buying Pandora Tomorrow.
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